CNN Poll: Gender gap and likeability keep Obama over Romney — (CNN) - President Barack Obama holds a nine-point lead over Republican challenger Mitt Romney thanks in part to the perception that the president is more likeable and more in touch with the problems facing women and middle class Americans, according to a new national poll.

By Historic Standards, Obama Is In Trouble — Modern presidents who got re-elected were all leading in the polls at this point in their presidencies — as were some who lost anyway. Obama is in a statistical tie with Romney in the first Gallup daily tracking poll of the general election, and that might not be enough.

Hillary Clinton Loses the Scrunchie in Colombia — The secretary of state lets her hair down in Cartagena — leading to the inevitable Drunk Texts from Hillary meme. — Hillary Clinton is seriously having a moment. Her approval ratings are sky-high. Her name is constantly floated as a vice presidential or presidential candidate.

In Senate, Republicans Block Debate on ‘Buffett Rule’ — WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans on Monday blocked a move to open debate on the so-called Buffett Rule, ensuring that a measure pressed for months by President Obama and Senate Democrats to ensure that the superrich pay a tax rate …

Spanking Goes Mainstream — From the steamy bestseller Fifty Shades of Grey to HBO's Girls, sexual domination is in vogue. Katie Roiphe on why women's power at work may be fueling the craze. Plus, Fifty Shades of Grey's naughtiest bits. — If every era gets the sadist it deserves …

Zimmerman's lawyer: I want a new judge — George Zimmerman's attorney on Monday asked the judge in the case to step down because of a possible conflict of interest. — On Friday, O'Mara told Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler he was on the verge of asking her to step aside.

Trayvon Martin's killer showed signs of injury: neighbors — (Reuters) - Neighbors of George Zimmerman say he had bandages on his nose and head the day after he shot dead Trayvon Martin, supporting statements by the neighborhood watch volunteer that he was beaten in a confrontation with the black Florida teenager.

Herman Cain Rally at the Capitol Fails Spectacularly … - Vincent Kartheiser on What It's Like To Play Mad Men's Pete Campbell - Cocaine Is Unbelievably Cheap Now. Why? - Guys on Girls: What a Pack of Dudes Thought of the Premiere - Girls on Girls: What a Bunch of Ladies Thought …

Truth or Consequences — Eight years ago, Dan Rather broadcast an explosive report on the Air National Guard service of President George W. Bush. It was supposed to be the legendary newsman's finest hour. Instead, it blew up in his face, tarnishing his career forever and casting a dark cloud …

Here's how big the potential 2013 tax hikes would be — If you combine all the other tax increases from 1980-1993, they add up to 3.3% of GDP, according to the brilliant budget team at Strategas Research. The coming “taxmageddon” of 2013 surpasses all those tax hikes combined!

WANKER OF THE DECADE - 1st Runner Up — Fred Hiatt. — As editorial page editor of the Washington Post, Fred Hiatt has presided over what is perhaps the world greatest gaggle of wankers. Fred's a true wanker connoissuer, a collector of fine wankers. Whenever a new wanker appears on the market …

More U.S. Children of Immigrants Are Leaving U.S. — Samir N. Kapadia seemed to be on the rise in Washington, moving from an internship on Capitol Hill to jobs at a major foundation and a consulting firm. Yet his days, he felt, had become routine. — By contrast, friends and relatives in India …

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